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Stays|Camping

Camp In A Chickee Hut Right On The Water In The Florida Everglades

Experience a unique overnight stay in the Everglades by camping in a chickee hut over the water.

Published Nov 2, 2020

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Get out into nature this weekend and enjoy a unique experience right in the heart of the Everglades. Grab your tent and prepare yourself to spend the night in a simple chickee hut right over the water. Chickees are very basic structures, popular with outdoor adventurers who prefer a no-frills overnight stay that is raw with nature. In the Everglades, where the wild mangroves grow and the water levels in the wetlands are questionable, adventurers can stay in a chickee hut rather than find land to camp because the huts are raised off the ground. With simplicity and style, check out these chickee huts in Florida.

Florida Outdoor Adventure Tours offer a one-of-a-kind overnight stay in an authentic chickee hut in the Everglades.

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Facebook Florida Outdoor Adventures

With a variety of overnight adventures available—3-day, 5-day, and 8-day—guests will be able to stay overnight in a chickee hut overlooking the water.

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TripAdvisor GabrielaLE

Chickees, which is the Seminole word for “thatched roof” are peppered throughout the Everglades national park area.

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Tripadvisor CABigBob

When you meander through the Wilderness Waterway, you’ll come across these raised platforms where you can set up shop for the night.

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TripAdvisor CABigBob

A few of the chickees you can look out for are Shark Point Chickee, Sweetwater Bay Chickee, Crooked Creek Chickee, Hell’s Bay Chickee, South Joe River Chickee, and Lane Bay Chickee, to name a few.

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TripAdvisor nancylu2000

While these chickees are accessible to anyone kayaking or canoeing the waterways, sometimes it’s fun to plan a weekend trip through a company like Florida Outdoor Adventure Tours and have a professional guide along the way.

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TripAdvisor JUPCSL

Some of these chickee huts will be easier to get to than others, which is why we recommend having a tour so that you can just kick back and follow your guide.

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Google Maps

Spend a night on the water with all of life’s simple pleasures when you stay in a chickee hut in the Everglades.

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TripAdvisor Jung C

Have you ever camped in chickee huts in Florida before? Were they in the Everglades? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or, if you're looking for more information about these camping huts, check out the Florida Outdoor Adventures Facebook Page or website.

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Stays|Camping

The Amazing Campground in Florida We Want to Visit All Year Round

Nothing beats camping on the beach here in Florida, especially when you factor in the seashell-laden beachfront and opportunities for wildlife viewing at Sebastian Inlet State Park.

Published Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Florida's Space Coast is famous for its miles of unspoiled beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. It's perhaps unsurprising, then, that it's also home to one of our all-time favorite campgrounds: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground. The state park is beloved among surfers chasing epic waves, but this pristine park has also made a name for itself among campers seeking an immersive experience in an unforgettable setting. Whether you're looking for world-class fishing, beach strolls, wildlife encounters, or simply a night spent under a blanket of stars, you'll agree that it doesn't get much better than camping at Sebastian Inlet State Park.

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A pelican glides over rocky waters near a pier, with clear blue skies in the background.
Richard Ricciardi / Flickr

One of the best parts about camping in Florida is that it's hardly just a summertime activity; in fact, many people prefer to camp during the off-season to avoid crowds and intense heat. One year-round campground in Florida that will delight in any season is the one you'll find at Sebastian Inlet State Park. An excellent day trip destination, the park is even more special if you can dedicate a few days there.

The campground offers 60 campsites, all just a short distance from the beach. Each campsite comes equipped with water and electric hook-ups. Those looking for a more primitive camping experience can opt for the sites near the Bayside Marina. As for amenities, the campground offers drinking water, flush toilets, a dump station, and, for a fee, laundry and hot shower facilities. The park itself also features a marina with boat rentals and a boat ramp.

A sandy beach with gentle waves, colorful umbrellas, and a clear blue sky dotted with clouds.
Jeff Muceus / Flickr

During the day, you'll love exploring the stunning beaches. Everyone in your crew will be dazzled by the seashells, crashing waves, and bright blue water for which this region of Florida is so famous. But that's just the beginning of all this state park offers. Nature enthusiasts will love the chance to spot birds and perhaps even sea turtles! The park is also home to some truly spectacular butterfly species.

A person sits inside a tent, looking out at a scenic view, with sunlight filtering through the opening.
This is a horizontal, color photograph of a caucasian woman in her 20s sitting inside a small dome tent. She looks out towards the beach on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park.

For more information on Sebastian Inlet Campground, including making a reservation and park details, be sure to visit the official Sebastian Inlet State Park website. And don't forget to take a look at our ultimate camping gear checklist before embarking on your outdoor adventure!

Looking for even more camping adventures in the Sunshine State? Take a look at our list of the very best campgrounds in Florida. There's something on the list for everyone!

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Stays|Camping

With Horseback Riding & Safari Tent Camping, This Remote Park In Florida Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

State parks in Florida are so underrated. They are some of the best places to spend a summer afternoon, especially with friends or family, and immerse yourself in nature. Personally, I love looking up hidden gem state parks in Florida when I have a day off to go and explore, hike, bike, and sometimes even bring my dog. I came across Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, Florida, recently, and this place not only has run-of-the-mill amenities but also a few pleasant surprises.

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Just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, Florida you'll find Lake Louisa State Park, a natural theme park that is perfect for a family, friendly summer day.

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and lily pads, reflecting a clear blue sky and trees.
Tripadvisor Lizally47

The state park covers over 4500 acres of land and features six lakes with the three major lakes being Louisa, Hammond, and Dixie.

Two people in yellow kayaks raise their paddles above their heads on a calm lake under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Tripadvisor Elizabeth S

These lakes are renowned for outdoor activities from paddle boarding and kayaking to canoeing and fishing. You could easily spend an entire weekend enjoying all of nature's opportunities.

There are also designated swimming areas in Lake Louise as well or visitors can cool off from the high summer Florida temperatures swimming is allowed from Memorial day through Labor Day.

A serene lake scene with lily pads, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Tripadvisor dydysia

The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. These trails offer a chance to explore diverse ecosystems and spot local wildlife. Biking is also permitted on some of these trails.

But perhaps one of the coolest amenities you'll find at Lake Louisa State Park is horseback riding. The park offers equestrian trails for those who enjoy horseback riding. Horse rentals and guided trail rides are available from local providers.

A group of people on horseback in a grassy area with trees and blue skies in the background.
Tripadvisor Management

Plus for anyone looking to take this day trip and turn it into an overnight getaway. Lake Louisa State Park has a variety of camping options. One of the most popular options include the glamping sites were guest can stay in a fully furnished safari tent.

A spacious canvas tent set in a grassy area, featuring a wooden bed and decorative elements outside.
Tripadvisor Management

If you love learning like I do make sure to stop by the small visitor center within the park this visitor center provides information about the parks, history, ecosystems, and available activities throughout.

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A serene lakeside scene with a wooden dock surrounded by trees and calm water under a clear blue sky.
Tripadvisor Management

Lake Louisa State Park is located at 7305 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714. It's about 30 miles west of Orlando, making it a convenient day trip from the city. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

A serene lake at sunset, with a lone kayaker paddling amidst trees and colorful clouds reflecting on the water.
Tripadvisor Management

Whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, Lake Louisa State Park offers a little something for everyone.

A person rows a small boat on a calm lake at sunset, with soft clouds reflecting in the water.
Tripadvisor Management

Here are a few pro tips for visiting the state park, especially in the summer.

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